In hopes of preparing all students regardless of socioeconomic status for the modern workforce through digital inclusion and literacy, Intel Corporation in collaboration with Genius Illumina is calling on state governments to institutionalize science and technology fairs that will further enhance the technological advancement of the nation.
Speaking at this year’s National Festival of School Science, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Intel, Babatunde Akinola, said: “Intel believes that young people are the key to solving global challenges. A solid math and science foundation coupled with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving are crucial for their success. That is why we promote education programs, ambitious policies, and technology access to enable tomorrow’s innovators.
“Intel has invested over $1 billion, and its employees have volunteered over three million hours to improve education around the world over the last decade. In Nigeria, we firmly believe that maintaining the country’s competitiveness in today’s global economy will in large part depend on the success of our nation’s students. Intel’s education programs span across basic technology and science skills and reach students in all 50 states.”
Akinola bemoaned students’ waning interest in education, saying any nation that would have a breakthrough economically would have to place premium on Science and Technology right from secondary school.
He said: “This Catch-Them-Young Programme remains the best way to redirect the country to the path of Science and Technology called STEM. If a nation wants to be competitive in the global economy, then it has to focus essentially on this sector, because it is the pivot of any economy.
“With this programme, we tend to give relevance to these kids and creating a veritable platform for them to realize their potentials.”
The organizer of the fair and Executive Director of Genius, Dr. Jerry Orhue, expressing his deep concerns about the country’s academic situation, said: “It is regrettable to note that many of the young and promising Nigerians are dropping out of schools for lack of requisite information, but I am of the opinion that poor funding of education has become a global phenomenon that needed to be tackled, particularly in a developing nation like Nigeria.”
Irhue posited that it is impossible for the government to adequately fund education in a vastly populated nation like Nigeria, saying the Corporate organizations would have to complement the efforts at putting Science and Technology in the forefront for the country to hit its vision 20: 2020.
Of particular reference, Irhue called on other private organizations operating in Nigeria to take a cue from Intel Corporation that took interest in the promotion of Science and Technology for Nigeria to get better advanced in this sector.
Doregos Private Academy, Lagos emerged as the first and second winner, while Government College School, Kastina emerged as the third winner of the 2015 fair. Winners went home with laptops, 50 different science/technology books, medals, plaques and all-expense paid trip to attend Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States.
Apart from Intel’s focus on education, science competitions are at the heart of Intel’s education programmes.
By sponsoring the competitions, it is possible to help identify and celebrate talented young scientists, while inspiring younger students to follow in their footsteps and communities/governments to invest in high-quality science education.